Mixing ducks =good or bad?

[mlheran]

I have some Magpie ducklings but am thinking of getting one or two more to keep them company. I could get two more magpies, but they'd be at least three weeks younger than my pair -would that be too tough on them? And if I can't get Magpies I was thinking of Pekins -would they be okay together? And as far as breeding goes, is Pekin x Magpie a good or bad thing? I realize it would eliminate the pure bloodlines, but are there any other concerns (assuming they set and hatch, of course).

I'm sorry for all the questions! I just had my heart set on a Magpie trio but just lost my male, and my remaining girls just seem so lonely. Am I anthropomorphosizing too much?

 

[eggchel]

I just added two new ducklings to my group of ducklings with their "mom" goose. The new ducklings are at least 3 weeks older than the rest of the ducklings but they are all fine together. The goose tried to chase them off a couple times, but the instinct to flock together was too strong and she finally gave up.
I would keep newly hatched ducks separate at least until they are steady on their legs and then start to introduce them.

chel

 

[mlheran]

Thanks eggchel -good to know that they will eventually all come together. I haven't completely decided yet if I want to get some more. It seems like I won't be able to get Magpies, but I could get some Pekins of roughly the same age. My two girls seem to be pretty happy together, so I may just leave them as-is -we'll see how it goes once they're out of the brooder.

 

[Cheri]

Make sure you get an equal number of sexes tho. I have 4 males and no females. Lah the things I done seen! LOL.

PS I have two Pekins, One mallard, one speckled belly.

 

[Critter Crazy]

I have had mixed flocks all along, and they all do just fine! e have Cayugas, Pekins and Silver Appleyards.

 

[mlheran]

Quote:
I had originally intended to have a trio of Magpies (1 male + 2 females) since I wanted them for fun, eggs, and ducklings third. Do they pair off when they're evenly sexed? It seems like a lot of the ducks I've read about are almost like roosters -servicing whoever's in reach. Is that not the case?

Quote:
I'm glad to hear they get along. Do they interbreed, and if so are the offspring healthy? LOL, and are they a cute blend of the breeds?

 

[ella]

I know Pekins and Muscovies can interbreed! Flapper the duck and his lady friend Georgie had three ducklings a few years ago. If you don't know who Flapper is you have to check out his blog: http://www.mrflapper.com/index.html

It's adorable!

 

[Critter Crazy]

Quote:
I had originally intended to have a trio of Magpies (1 male + 2 females) since I wanted them for fun, eggs, and ducklings third. Do they pair off when they're evenly sexed? It seems like a lot of the ducks I've read about are almost like roosters -servicing whoever's in reach. Is that not the case?

Quote:
I'm glad to hear they get along. Do they interbreed, and if so are the offspring healthy? LOL, and are they a cute blend of the breeds?

They do interbreed, but I havent hatched any Ducklings, so I dont know about that.
I had one drake and 5 girls, and he "took care of" all of them.

 

[mlheran]

Quote:
I found Flapper a few weeks ago and spent a whole day going through his diary!

I check in on the cam nearly every day too, they are adorable!

And thanks, Critter Crazy -good to know!

 

[eggchel]

Be sure to see this episode of Mr Flapper's adventures, when he visited our own Terrielacy at her farm.

http://www.mrflapper.com/061229.htm


chel